A 16-year-old primigravida at 36 weeks' gestation with no prenatal care experienced a seizure. Upon arrival, what should the nurse do?

• A. Admit to a quiet, darkened room.
• B. Place in bright light and loud environment to stimulate.
• C. Begin immediate cesarean section.
• D. Administer magnesium sulfate intravenously without monitoring.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is immediate safety and stabilization after a seizure in late pregnancy. When a patient at 36 weeks with no prenatal care has a seizure, the first action is to minimize stimuli and protect her from injury so she can recover without further episodes. A quiet, darkened room helps reduce sensory triggers and allows the team to assess and begin stabilization.

Beyond this, the team should ensure airway, breathing, and circulation (for example, positioning on the side to protect the airway, monitoring breathing, and securing IV access), assess maternal vital signs and signs of preeclampsia, and prepare to administer seizure prophylaxis with magnesium sulfate under proper monitoring. Delivery decisions depend on maternal/fetal status and stabilization progress.

The other options don’t address immediate safety or appropriate stabilization: a bright, stimulating environment could provoke or worsen seizures; immediate cesarean is not indicated purely for seizure without signs of obstetric urgency; and giving magnesium sulfate without monitoring can lead to toxicity.